Mini-Review: The Dell Precision T3400 Workstation

[cbn]

Another nice feature of the internal design is the blue plastic do-hickey pictured here...
http://www.benmacre.com/mt/images/t3400/t34_vid_sup.jpg

This can rotate up and down for installing the video card, but its sole purpose is to give physical support for heavier video cards, like the installed 9800 GTX, to help prevent bending which can happen over a long period of time.

That seems like a great little feature. I didn't realize PCB bending was a issue with cards that size.

 

[mrbib]

I acquired one of these T3400s on a good deal lately. It came with 2GB of PC2-6400 ECC 800 MHz RAM (2 x 1GB), Nanya brand (from Dell). When it's in alone, the BIOS shows it at 800 MHz. I picked up a Kingston 4 GB kit (2x2GB sticks), PC2-6400, 800 MHz ECC. When the Kingston RAM is in alone, the BIOS also shows it at 800 MHz. When I put the Kingston and the original RAM together, BIOS shows memory speed at 667 MHz. This is true whether the Kingston RAM is in DIMM slots 1/2 or 3/4.

Does anyone know what would cause this?

 

[Harvey]

I acquired one of these T3400s on a good deal lately. It came with 2GB of PC2-6400 ECC 800 MHz RAM (2 x 1GB), Nanya brand (from Dell). When it's in alone, the BIOS shows it at 800 MHz. I picked up a Kingston 4 GB kit (2x2GB sticks), PC2-6400, 800 MHz ECC. When the Kingston RAM is in alone, the BIOS also shows it at 800 MHz. When I put the Kingston and the original RAM together, BIOS shows memory speed at 667 MHz. This is true whether the Kingston RAM is in DIMM slots 1/2 or 3/4.

Does anyone know what would cause this?

The system may default to a slower clock speed when it detects any timing difference. Does the BIOS allow you to set the RAM clock back to 800 MHz manually? If so, try it, and test it for stability.

About the worst that can happen is that it will lock up during some memory intensive operation. VERY worst case, the machine won't boot, and you'll have to reset the CMOS by using the jumper or removing the battery for a minute.

 

[bamacre]

I acquired one of these T3400s on a good deal lately. It came with 2GB of PC2-6400 ECC 800 MHz RAM (2 x 1GB), Nanya brand (from Dell). When it's in alone, the BIOS shows it at 800 MHz. I picked up a Kingston 4 GB kit (2x2GB sticks), PC2-6400, 800 MHz ECC. When the Kingston RAM is in alone, the BIOS also shows it at 800 MHz. When I put the Kingston and the original RAM together, BIOS shows memory speed at 667 MHz. This is true whether the Kingston RAM is in DIMM slots 1/2 or 3/4.

Does anyone know what would cause this?

Most likely slightly different timings.

However, I wouldn't worry about it. 667mhz memory is enough to support the 1333mhz FSB of the cpu (assuming that's what you're running). If the memory were running at 800mhz, you wouldn't notice the difference.

 

[mrbib]

I don't see any BIOS options for adjusting things like the clock speed. (The machine is intended for offices with much work to get done, not so much for enthusiasts.)

This machine has the Core 2 Quad Q6600 (2.4 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB).

I debated over using this or building my own out of newer technology. However, I really like the system overall and the fact that the BTX motherboard setup is REALLY quiet without all those fans.

 

[smoker77]

Hello.
This is the only forum where I found information on this computer (T3400).
I would like to mount 2x2 Kingston HyperX 800mhz CL4.
Can you tell me if this pc recognizes the CL4 timings? Or it is useless to buy memory with CL4 timings?
Thanks.

 

[bamacre]

Hello.
This is the only forum where I found information on this computer (T3400).
I would like to mount 2x2 Kingston HyperX 800mhz CL4.
Can you tell me if this pc recognizes the CL4 timings? Or it is useless to buy memory with CL4 timings?
Thanks.

It's useless. Stick with 1.8V DDR2 memory. If you are running non-ECC memory, just get Value memory like this...

http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=T8UB2GC5
... or this ...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148164

 

[smoker77]

bamacre, I'm sorry but I do not speak and write well in English. I understand it, regardless of voltage, the PC does not recognize CL4.
These might be fine? (KHX6400D2/2G Kingston 2GB 800MHz DDR2 Non-ECC CL5 1.85V) I ask of Kingston, because I can have them at very low prices.
Thanks again.

 

[bamacre]

I would definitely look for 1.8V. The 1.85V could potentially be a problem. It should be easy to find 1.8V memory, as this is the standard.

KHX6400D2/2G is rated at 2.0V, not 1.85 anyway.

See if you can find one of these models...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...ption=&Ntk=&CFG=&SpeTabStoreType=&srchInDesc=

 

[smoker77]

bamacre give me some advice. between these 2 pc, which would you choose?
1) Dell T3400
CPU: Intel Q9400
Ram: Kingston 6GB (2x2 and 2x1) 800mhz CL5 1.8v
VGA: nVidia GeForce GTX460
HD : WD Velociraptor 150GB
HD : WD Caviar Blue 500GB

2) Assembled PC
Case: Cooler Master Elite 332
PSU: Cooler Master Silent Pro 500w
Motherboard: Asus P5Q Deluxe
CPU: Intel Q9400
Heatsink: Zalman CNPS8700-NT
Ram: Corsair Dominator 6GB (2X2 and 2X1) 1066MHz CL5 2.1V
VGA: nVidia GeForce GTX460
HD : WD Velociraptor 150GB
HD : WD Caviar Blue 500GB

 

[JWade]

me personnelly i would choose the dell because of the ease of re-installing an OS, using Dell media it wont need to be re-activated. just me though

 

[bamacre]

Well, my opinion is rather biased, I'd go with the Dell.

The downside would be no CPU overclocking, and proprietary case which won't fit a future motherboard.

 

[smoker77]

I am also fascinated by Dell, and not a fan of overclocking, the only thing I do not like it, is the limitation on the ram to mount. I'd like to mount a nice kit with good performance.
I'd know bamacre indicate a European site where you can buy the 525W power supply?
I think the 375W power supply does not support the gtx460.

 

[bamacre]

I am also fascinated by Dell, and not a fan of overclocking, the only thing I do not like it, is the limitation on the ram to mount. I'd like to mount a nice kit with good performance.

It doesn't matter. The stock clocked cpu doesn't need any more bandwidth, the only reason you'd want better memory is if you're overclocking the cpu. Since you're not, you'd be wasting money on higher-performance memory, it would offer you no benefit.

I'd know bamacre indicate a European site where you can buy the 525W power supply?

Sorry, I cannot. I've actually never upgraded a PSU in a Dell.

I think the 375W power supply does not support the gtx460.

Yes, not likely. But it can run video cards like the Radeon HD 6850 or the GeForce GTX 550 Ti. Basically, any video card that needs nothing more than one 6pin power connector.

 

[smoker77]

the 375W power supply if it had two 6-pin, hold the gtx460?

 

[bamacre]

the 375W power supply if it had two 6-pin, hold the gtx460?

As I understand it, that's cutting it kinda close. I wouldn't.

 

[smoker77]

for the GTX 460 can I use an adapter from 4 to 6 pin?

 

[bamacre]

for the GTX 460 can I use an adapter from 4 to 6 pin?

Like I said, that may work, but even if it does, you're cutting it close. Personally, I wouldn't, and actually, I haven't. I've been using a Dell XPS 410 with the same 375W PSU for >3 years now, and currently running a "green" GTX 260, which requires one 6pin power connector.

 

[ray88]

Hi

Would any Precision users here know if the power supply unit in the T3400/T3500/390 can be replaced with a standard ATX 12V PSU?

Thanks!

No sure about your precision but I just found out that the PSU for the T5400 has pinouts for the 24 pin connector which is very different from standard 24 pin ATX 2.x connector.

Compare:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/wsT5400/en/UG/html/parts.htm#wp1653142

and:

http://pinouts.ru/Power/atxpower_pinout.shtml

There goes my dream of using that PSU with a normal ATX motherboard.